Garden Design School Diploma
Our Diploma course provides structured and up-to-date content, specifically developed to equip students for a successful career in garden design.
What will I learn?
Design principles
Learn the principles of spatial design –
- understanding, controlling and manipulating
three-dimensional space - Learning to apply these principles and building blocks are key to the full realisation of successful gardens and landscape
Graphics and presentation
- Drawing and drafting skills – hand render detailed plans, elevation and section drawings
- Learn to use technical drawing tools effectively
- Colouring techniques across a range of materials
- Introduction to digital skills, including SketchUp and 3D illustration
- Plan and design presentations for clients and contractors
Hard landscaping design
- Conduct practical surveys with levels
- Site analysis and setting out
- Effective use of hard landscape materials – detailing construction methods and techniques (horizontal surfaces, walls, garden structures etc)
- Understand and plan utilities – water in the garden, lighting, irrigaiton and drainage
Planting design
- Basic botany – soil science, classification
and identification - Planting design – horticultural requirements, site specific planting and planting plans
- Maintenance plans and schedules
Business management
- Getting started as a freelance designer
- Client / contractor / designer relationships
- Running the office – documentation, health and safety, CDM 2015 and planning implications
- Specifications and contracts
- Project costings and fees
- Advertising and promotion
How am I assessed?
Students are assessed at regular intervals by completing studio based design projects and four major projects during the garden design course. These build in complexity as students develop their skills and knowledge, with the final project comprising of a full design brief including all necessary drawings and detailed documentation.
Students practise their presentation and delivery skills and gain face-to-face feedback from Robin Templar Williams on each of these projects before moving forward to the next stage.
In addition, two portfolios are produced by each student – one devoted to plants (soft landscaping) the other to construction and materials (hard landscaping).
Examinations are not part of our Diploma course, and you will not be asked to write essays. All assignments are of a practical nature and closely resemble the types of projects a professional garden designer might encounter.
Where do I learn?
Garden Design School is based at the beautiful and inspiring University of Bristol Botanic Garden, in Stoke Bishop to the north of the city and close to Clifton and the Bristol Downs
The Holmes was built in 1879 in the ‘Arts and Crafts’ style as a large residential house set within 1.77 hectares of gardens.
The University of Bristol moved here in July 2004, designing a new garden, different from traditional botanic gardens.
It offers a blend of informal and formal
plantings enabling the garden to be both
educational and attractive
Design School course takes place in the Linnaeus Study Room which was specifically designed as a lecture room
and studio.
- Well-equipped training facility
- Free parking
- Seasonal café available
Find us
The Holmes
Stoke Park Road
Stoke Bishop
Bristol
BS9 1J
When do I attend?
The course takes one academic year, lasting 38 weeks and is divided into three academic terms.
School days (the time you attend lectures/studio sessions) are held on Thursdays and take place between 9.30am and 4.30pm.
There is a 45 minute break at lunchtime, and two shorter breaks during the morning and afternoon.
For 2 of the 38 weeks, attendance is for 2 days on a Thursday and Friday, giving a total of 40 attendance days.
Independent study is an essential element of the course – you should expect to dedicate an additional 24-30 hours per week.